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South Dakota State University: Rankings, Cost, Programs, Placements
322 acre campus- Estd. 1881
Last updated on 13 Oct '25SD stateWhat's new?
- The Spring 2026 (January) application deadline for undergraduate students is Nov 1, 2025.
About South Dakota State University
Established in 1881, South Dakota State University is based in South Dakota, USA and is accredited by the HLC. The institute offers more than 200-degree programs for its international and domestic students. Based on fall enrollment 2024 data, the university currently has more than 12,065 students coming from 47 states and 77 countries worldwide. The university acceptance rate stands at 86%, which making it somewhat selective to secure admission.
Things to know about South Dakota State University
Here are some interesting facts worth knowing about SDSU:
|
Particulars |
Validation |
|---|---|
|
Establishment |
1881 |
|
Ranking |
|
|
GPA Requirements |
3.0 or higher |
|
Top Majors |
Psychology | Mechanical Engineering |Business |
|
Annual Tuition |
UG : INR 9.15 L - 10.74 L PG : INR 9.32 L - 16.46 L |
|
Acceptance Rate |
Around 86% |
|
Total Courses |
200+ |
|
Public or Private |
Public Research University |
|
Placement Rate |
89% |
History
The original structure was constructed in 1883, six years before the State of South Dakota was established, with money provided by the territory assembly. South Dakota State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts replaced the original name in 1904. The institution was renamed South Dakota State University in 1964.
Students can also read the Study Guide to the USA for International Students
Check out the below videos of South Dakota State University for more Information:
South Dakota State University Ranking 2025
South Dakota State University secured its place in the year 2024 among the top universities in the world with #296 ranking according to the US News and World Report. This ranking has seen an improved trend when compared to its past year rank of #299 in 2023.
On the other hand, Shiksha Polpularity Ranking ranked the university at #183 position and US News and World Report ranked it at #1446 in 2024 at Global Universities.
The South Dakota State University courses have also secured ranks #201, #175, #130 for its MS, Others PG, MSN courses, respectively.
#797
#230
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
According to the US News and World Report Rankings 2023, South Dakota State University has a ranking of #1172. Some of the other rankings at the university are given as follows:
| Year | South Dakota State University |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 1037 |
| 2020 | 1037 |
| 2021 | 1083 |
| 2022 | 1145 |
| 2023 | 1172 |
The University ranking highly influences student's decision to enroll in the university. Shiksha Study Abroad has launched Shiksha Grading. There are various ranking authorities available in the market, but Shiksha Grading stands out of the herd. Shiksha Grading has categorized its ranking into 9 grades such as A+, A, B+, B, C+, and C. South Dakota State University has an overall ranking of B grade as per the Shiksha Grading. Additionally, SDSU courses are mostly ranked in the range of C grade. Moreover, Shiksha Grading grades universities and colleges as per their particular country. Along with this, University courses are graded based on their availability at the colleges or universities in a specific country. Shiksha Grading provides rankings for universities, colleges, and programs all under one system, freeing students from the hassle of comparing rankings from different authorities.
Some of the Engineering course rankings at South Dakota State University are given as follows:
| Year | US News and World Report- Civil Engineering PG | US News & World Report - Electrical Engineering PG |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 137 | 168 |
| 2022 | 146 | 170 |
| 2023 | 142 | NA |
South Dakota State University Programs
South Dakota State University is recognized for offering the best academic programs for its international and domestic students. South Dakota State University offers around 200 course offerings, 88 majors, 37 specializations, 106 minors, 38 master's degree courses, 16 Ph.D. programs, and 2 professional doctorate courses to international students. Some of the popular courses at the university are Health professions, Engineering, Business, Management, Marketing, Education, Biology and Biomedical Sciences. Moreover, a few of the most popular university opted by international students are as follows:
SDSU Top Courses
South Dakota State University top courses that Shiksha Grading ranks is as follows:
|
Top Courses |
Shiksha Grading |
|---|---|
|
Civil Engineering |
C |
|
Electrical Engineering |
C |
|
Mechanical Engineering |
C |
NOTE: What makes Shiksha Grading stand out is that the website uses the aggregate of all the publicly available university and course rankings from top-ranking publishers and maps it into 9 buckets - A++, A+, A, B++, B+, B, C++, C+, and C. In this method, universities are graded by country, and courses are graded by availability at the college in a particular country.
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Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
South Dakota State University offers over 200 degree programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate programs for its international students. SDSU popular programs include Business, Management, Marketing, Engineering, Biology and Biomedical Sciences. Moreover, some of the top programs at the university that are ranked by Shiksha Grading is as follows:
Top Courses | Shiksha Grading |
|---|---|
Civil Engineering | C |
Electrical Engineering | C |
Mechanical Engineering | C |
NOTE: What makes Shiksha Grading stand out is that the website uses the aggregate of all the publicly available university and course rankings from top-ranking publishers and maps it into 9 buckets - A+, A, B+, B, C+, and C. In this method, universities are graded by country, and courses are graded by availability at the college in a particular country.
South Dakota State University Admissions 2025
South Dakota State University accepts applications during the Fall and Spring intakes every year. International students can apply at SBSU through the Official University Portal. The SDSU undergraduate program application process for international students is as follows:
Application Deadlines 2025 for International Students
South Dakota State University admission deadlines for international students are given as follows:
|
Intakes |
UG |
PG |
|---|---|---|
|
Spring 2026 (January) |
Nov 1, 2025 |
Oct 15, 2025 |
|
Fall 2026 (August) |
Jun 15, 2026 |
Apr 15, 2026 |
Students can also read the Study Guide USA for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
The admission requirements for international students are given as follows:
- Complete the online application and submit the application fee
- Overall GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 and has completed 30 credits
- Academic Transcripts/Records
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Resume/CV
- Letters of Recommendation
English Language Requirements
|
Test Type |
UG |
PG |
|---|---|---|
|
TOEFL (iBT) |
61 |
71 |
|
TOEFL Essentials |
NA |
7.5 |
|
5.5 |
6.0 |
|
|
90 |
100 |
|
|
44 |
NA |
Eligibility for Studying in the USA for International Students
Acceptance Rate
South Dakota State University acceptance rate stands at 86%, which makes it somewhat selective to secure admission.
Application Fees
South Dakota State University application fee is USD 20 (INR 1,674) for international applicants. SDSU has a non-refundable application fee for international students.
Conversion used: USD 1 - INR 83.71
SD stateSouth Dakota State University Scholarships
South Dakota State University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid to international students based on academic merit or requirements. Some of the scholarships offered at the university are given as follows:
- Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship Program
- Aga Khan Foundation
- WU Scholarships
- American Association of University Women
- Nursing Scholarships for international students
18 monthsSouth Dakota State University Job Outcomes
SDSU graduates are consistently in high demand all over the world. South Dakota State University placement rate is 89%. Moreover, the university placement rate attracts international students the most. The placement highlights at SDSU is given below:
- South Dakota State University graduate students work in top companies such as HDR, POET, First Bank & Trust, Intel Corporation, CNH, etc.
- SBSU graduates are placed in leading working sectors that include Operations, Business Development, Engineering, Information Technology, and more.
- Also, SDSU graduates are highly skilled in Leadership, Public Speaking, Project Management, Strategic Planning, etc.
- The top program preferences of SDSU alumni are Mechanical Engineering, Economics, Psychology, Biology, and more.
ROI After Education
The average salary earned by graduates after studying at the institute is USD 74,000 (INR 61.64 LPA) per year.
Top Employers
Some of the top employers at the South Dakota State University are mentioned below:
- Stanford Health
- Avera Health
- State of South Dakota
- Monument Health
- Mayo Clinic
- POET
- HDR
- CNH
- Intel Corporation
Top Recruiters
Commonly asked questions On Placements
SDSU has one of the highest placement rates in the United States. South Dakota State University graduates are always in high demand worldwide. Moreover, South Dakota State University placement rate is 89%. Additionally, SDSU graduates are working for leading sectors such as Engineering, Information Technology, Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, and more. Some of the top employers at the South Dakota State University are mentioned below:
- Stanford Health
- Daktronics
- Avera Health
- State of South Dakota
- Monument Health
- Mayo Clinic
- POET
- HDR
- CNH
- Northwestern Mutual
- Burns & McDonnell
- Intel Corporation
South Dakota State University Fees
South Dakota State University tuition fee & duration vary from program to program. Additionally, the average tuition fee for undergraduate programs at SDSU ranges from INR 9.15 L - 10.74 L. Moreover, SDSU's average tuition fee for postgraduate programs ranges from INR 9.32 L - 16.46 L. Check the table mentioned below to know more about the courses, fees, and duration & eligibility:
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(17 courses) | INR 9 L - 18 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 - 6.5, TOEFL: 71 - 90, PTE, Duolingo: 100 - 115 |
B.E. / B.Tech(8 courses) | INR 10 L - 11 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2-4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 61 & Above, PTE: 44 & Above, Duolingo: 90 & Above |
MBA/PGDM(3 courses) | INR 9 L - 12 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 - 90, PTE, Duolingo: 110 - 115 |
BBA(4 courses) | INR 10 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 61 & Above, PTE: 44 & Above, Duolingo: 90 & Above |
M.Arch(1 course) | INR 24 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 100 & Above |
B.Arch(1 course) | INR 11 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 61 & Above, PTE: 44 & Above, Duolingo: 90 & Above |
B.Sc.(8 courses) | INR 10 L - 11 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 61 & Above, PTE: 44 & Above, Duolingo: 90 & Above |
BHM(1 course) | INR 10 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 61 & Above, PTE: 44 & Above, Duolingo: 90 & Above |
MEng(1 course) | INR 10 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 110 & Above |
B.J.M.C.(1 course) | INR 10 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 61 & Above, PTE, Duolingo |
SD stateStudent profile
Others
93%
Hispanic
2%
American
1%
Black
1%
Asian
1%
In state
50%
Out of state
47%
Foreign
2%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
South Dakota State University Notable Alumni
South Dakota State University has a strong alumni network worldwide. SDSU has over 100,000 alumni members who are working all over the world. The University alumni network includes various famous personalities, game changers, mentors, dreamers, innovators, and more. Additionally, some of the famous personalities that are part of the SDSU alumni network include Caleb Thielbar, William E. DePuy, Harvey Dunn, James Pollock, and more. A few more SDSU notable alumni are as follows:
|
Name of Personality |
Profession |
Picture |
|---|---|---|
|
Kristi Noem |
American Politician |
|
|
Adam Vinatieri |
American Former Football |
|
|
Tom Daschle |
American Politician |
|
|
Dallas Goedert |
American Football Tight End |
|
|
Mike Rounds |
American Businessman |
|
|
Nate Wolters |
Former Professional Basketball Player |
|
|
Theodore Schultz |
Agricultural Economist and Chairman |
|
|
Gene Amdahl |
Computer Architect and High-tech Entrepreneur |
|
|
Leo K. Thorsness |
Colonel in USA Airforce |
|
|
Dale Moss |
American Former Football |
|
SD stateCollege comparison
Compare SD state with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 8.96 L - 17.91 L | #257 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 21.15 L - 24.52 L | #208 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 11.87 L - 20.01 L | #232 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 10.32 L - 15.73 L | #352 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 12.47 L - 26.46 L | #301 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 15.62 L - 76.6 L | #301 US News, 2026 |
CompareSD stateStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
South Dakota State University Vs Arkansas State University Vs San Diego State University
South Dakota State University, Arkansas State University, and San Diego State University are the most prominent universities in the United States. Every university has its merits and demerits. When choosing a university students must check various factors before coming to any conclusion. Some major parameters include fee, location, average salary, placement rate, scholarships offered, and more. Moreover, check the comparison given below of these universities. This will surely help students to gain more clarity on these respective universities:
SD state FAQs
According to the US News and World Report, South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 86% making it somewhat selective for admissions for international students. Some of the general admission requirements for students at SDSU are given as follows:
- SAT/ACT scores
- Overall Student GPA
- High School Class Rank
- Letters of Recommendation
- Additional academic factors
SD state
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 10 months ago
Applying To South Dakota State University with international student status requires having the following admissions requirements :
Academic Qualifications Completing secondary school with the minimum GPA of 2.6 points/4.0 scale of achievement
or Standardized examination tests through ACT/SAT
Qualifyi
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a year ago
International students whose first language is not English must submit the proof of English language test at the SDSU. South Dakota State University accepts various English language tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE, and more. The English language test must be taken within two years of apply
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a year ago
South Dakota State University acceptance rate is 86%, which makes it not so competitive to secure admission. These figures show that for every 100 students, only 86 students will get admitted to the SDSU. The university accepts international students in two intakes namely Fall and Spring intake. Int
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a year ago
South Dakota State University is one of the most prominent universities for higher education in the United States. SDSU is highly ranked by top-ranking authorities in the world. According to the Shiksha Grading, South Dakota State University has an overall ranking of B grade. The SDSU is ranked #296
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a year ago
South Dakota State University is one of the top universities in the USA. SDSU graduates are working for top sectors such as Operations, Engineering, Business Development, Information Technology, Marketing, and more. South Dakota State University placement rate is 89%. Moreover, the university placem
K
Contributor-Level 10
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SD state
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SD stateLocation
| University City | Brookings, South Dakota, USA |
SD stateCampuses
1451 Stadium Rd, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
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